LEICESTER: NMBS' 2011 campaign 'I Love Independents' aims to increase the knowledge and awareness of independent builders, timber and hardware, plumbing and heating merchants.
By making full use of 'social media' NMBS plans to target the end-user with a campaign designed to bring independents into the spotlight.
"The main objectives of the 'I Love Independents' campaign will be to highlight the many benefits that independent merchants have to offer their customers," said NMBS marketing manager Dean Hayward.
This includes local knowledge – building materials can be bought from local businesses that are able to support the end-user by offering local decisions, for local problems, while having the network to deliver national solutions.
"Independents are staffed by people in tune with the customer and they make a big difference. They have excellent product knowledge as well as understanding the local market and needs," Mr Hayward explained.
"Independents hold a good stock range and depth. This allows the end-user to have the confidence that they can buy the product when they need it.
"Most leading independents are supported by NMBS, the UK's leading buying society for independent merchants," Mr Hayward added. "That means the end-user can be sure that their local Independent has the ability to source and deliver, competitively, all their building materials required."
NMBS is encouraging independent merchants, suppliers and the end-user are join the campaign which officially commences in the New Year.
"We are asking merchants to upload photographs of their favourite independent merchants to our dedicated Facebook page and add comments on why you love trading with independents," said Mr Hayward.
To become a fan on Facebook, visit www.facebook.com/ILoveIndependents, follow the NMBS tweets on Twitter LoveIndependent, and join the professional group on LinkedIn: I Love Independents.
